Chicago is investing in the future of one of the world’s most storied airports
By AARON KARP
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) took a big step in implementing multibillion-dollar modernization plans when the eastern extension of Terminal 5 opened at the end of January, adding new gates and more concessions space, among other upgrades.
“At approximately 350,000 sq. ft., the Terminal 5 expansion added 10 new gates, increased passenger amenity space by 75% and premium lounge space by 70%,” Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner Jamie Rhee, the top official overseeing ORD and Midway (MDW) airports, told Routes. “It streamlined the security checkpoint system to improve passenger flow and immigration processes. A complete replacement of the baggage handling system, which also includes a new checked baggage inspection system, will increase bag throughput capacity and is expected to be finished later this year.”
She added: “The extension provides an expanded post-security departures area, providing more space for passengers waiting for their flight, as well as modernized seating equipped with power sockets.”
The expanded Terminal 5 is one component of the broader O’Hare 21 modernization program that also includes building two satellite concourses, with ground to be broken this spring, and starting construction of a Global Terminal in 2026.
The Global Terminal plan was granted environmental clearance by the FAA in November 2022, smoothing the path to beginning a massive construction project that will culminate in a new terminal opening in 2030 housing both international and domestic flights—allowing for more efficient connection options. Both American Airlines and United Airlines operate hubs at ORD.
CDA
O’Hare’s modernization program is slated to cost a total of $7.1 billion.
The satellite concourses on which construction will soon commence “will provide approximately 1.3 million sq. ft. of gate and amenity space and dramatically expand the airport's flexibility to accommodate both narrow and widebody aircraft, which allows for a more efficient use of the terminal facilities,” the CDA said when detailing next steps. “Opening the satellite facilities first will allow O'Hare to maintain gate capacity when existing gates are withdrawn from service to allow construction on the O'Hare Global Terminal to begin later this decade.”
Other relatively smaller projects are also underway. Rhee noted ORD in 2022 broke ground on a six-story parking garage for Terminal 5 set to be completed next year.
“The new garage will more than double the amount of available parking at the terminal and expand capacity to offer a mix of short- and long-term parking options, like those available at the airport's main terminals,” she said.
Rhee said O’Hare 21 “is the city’s capital program to improve O’Hare’s connectivity, efficiency and ability to properly accommodate future demand. … The investments we are making through the O’Hare 21 capital program will address several infrastructure needs at O’Hare, including aging facilities, passenger processing, airline operations and baggage handling.
“The upgrades in infrastructure and technology will improve the passenger experience by providing modern terminal facilities, enhanced amenities, and sufficient terminal space and gates to accommodate forecast demand.”
For the full year 2022, ORD and MDW served a combined 88 million passengers (O’Hare 68.3 million and Midway 19.9 million). The total traffic for both airports was down 16% compared to 2019, but the airports’ numbers were down 13% in the 2022 second half, suggesting continuing improvement in passenger numbers.
At Midway, in fact, passenger totals were up 4% for July-December 2022 versus the same period in 2019. ORD was down 17% in the 2022 second half versus 2019.
Rhee sees a continued steady rebound at O’Hare “based on our strong O&D market and mid-continent location.”
She noted O’Hare was named the most connected airport in the world by OAG in 2022.
“Both Chicago airports have returned to pre-COVID levels of destinations served,” Rhee said. “Travelers from Chicago enjoy robust service to Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. And, with the return of Auckland service, Chicago is again one of only five cities in the world with nonstop service to all six inhabited continents. We are optimistic Asian markets will continue to open and levels of service will return.”
She added: “Within the US, Chicago has seen the breadth of its domestic network return at both O’Hare and Midway, but airlines are still adding back depth of schedules to all their destinations—an initiative hampered by pilot shortages and lagging plane deliveries by the manufacturers.”
Meanwhile, at Midway, which Rhee described as “the busiest square mile in aviation,” a $400 million modernization program has been underway since 2017. “Key projects include the expanded passenger security checkpoint that opened in 2020 and terminal parking structure enhancements,” she said. “It also includes a $75 million investment that will completely renovate and expand concessions at Midway. Phase 1, which is now complete, includes an overhaul of the entire concessions area, making room for the new and improved options. Phase 2, now underway, will add 26,000 square feet of concessions.”
